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Direct X 12 Coming to Xbox One

Fri, 03/21/2014 - 04:23 -- RLWaterman

The release date of the next iteration of DirectX may not be until 2015, but with a preview version due in 2014, Microsoft has now released details of the technology that it claims will usher in a new level of realism in gaming. DirectX 12 will be coming to both PC and to Xbox One, along with all other Microsoft platforms such as Windows Phone 8, and it promises significant improvements to graphics across the board.

Microsoft announced Direct X12 at a Game Developers Conference, and showcased a demo featuring Forza Motorsport 5 running on a PC, complete with NVIDIA GeForce Titan Black graphics card. The new DirectX will incorporate a brand new version of Direct3D, which should, “enable richer scenes, more objects, and full utilization of modern GPU hardware.” Microsoft went on to explain that, “it isn’t just for high-end gaming PCs either – Direct3D works across all the Microsoft devices you care about, from phone and tablets, to laptops and desktops, and, of course, Xbox One.”

The ‘console-like’ API of DirectX 12 should make it easier than ever for developers to utilize the full power of the improvements offered, including better render efficiency, reduced GPU overhead, better CPU utilization and more.

The ease of use of DirectX 12 may be something that Microsoft continues to push over the coming year, particularly with the announcement of 25 indie games coming to the Xbox One through its ID@Xbox programme.

Would more realism in gaming encourage you to play more? How photo realistic do we actually want our games to be? Have your say in the comments below.